In stage 16 homozygous or lms^S119/Df(2R)exu2 embryos, the loss of one of the lateral transverse (LT) muscles in individual abdominal segments is frequently observed. Generally, the LT muscles that are still present exhibit normal morphologies and attachments. In rarer cases, especially when two LT muscle fibers are missing in a hemisegment, the remaining LT muscles can be attached to segmental instead of intrasegmental attachment sites.

Homozygotes and hemizygotes (using Df(2R)BSC400 or Df(2R)exu2) frequently show a held-out wing phenotype, with penetrance and expressivity varying depending on the genetic background. Flies with normal wing postures or with mildly held-out wings are able to fly, but most individuals with more strongly held-out wings show poor flying capabilities or are unable to fly.

The direct flight muscles in lms^S119/Df(2R)exu2 flies are all present with their characteristic shapes, arrangements and connections to the proper attachments sites, although there are minor differences in muscle size.